6 things to do around the Pittsburgh campus in April

As the semester winds down, take a study break to check out these events happening around the University's Pittsburgh campus.

Join a spacecraft design crew

Friday, April 7, 3 p.m.

This workshop will challenge you to collaboratively design a spaceship. But this isn’t just any spacecraft: Your mission — if you choose to accept it — is to accommodate the unique abilities and needs of travelers from across galaxies. In the process, you’ll learn about applying inclusive design thinking when you return home to Earth.
Where: Cathedral of Learning, Digital Media Lab 435, Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
Tickets: This is a free event, but registration is required.

Hear ensembles from Pitt’s Department of Music

Various dates and times

April is packed with performances from each of Pitt’s eight musical ensemble groups. Don’t miss the chance to hear students, faculty and local community members play songs from across in the globe in the African Music and Dance Ensemble, Afropop Ensemble and University Gamelan Ensemble. Enjoy classic pieces from the Pitt Symphony Orchestra, Treble Choral Ensemble and Heinz Chapel Choir. You can watch masters of improvisation in the Pitt Jazz Ensemble or take a trip through various genres with the Men’s Glee Club.
Where: Various locations on the Pittsburgh campus
Tickets: Free with a Pitt ID.

Be still and listen

Friday, April 7, 7:30 p.m.

Here’s another event that’s sure to be music to any stressed student’s ears — a sound meditation concert described as “sonic bliss.” Mike Tamburo will play more than 40 instruments, including gongs and bells, to create the relaxing soundscape.
Where: Heinz Memorial Chapel, S Bellefield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
Tickets: $20, or free with a Pitt student ID.

Branch out

Friday, April 14, various times

Did you know the University’s Pittsburgh campus is home to more than 4,000 trees? You can meet them all — and learn about identification and plant stewardship — on campus tree walks. Tree Pittsburgh will conduct walking tours throughout the day and talk with students about becoming Pitt Tree Tenders.
Where: Meet at the Cathedral of Learning facing Heinz Chapel, 4200 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260
Tickets: This is a free event, but registration is required.

[Find out how trees reduce stress.]

Discover stories of womanhood

Monday, April 17, 6 p.m.

Pitt will bring together storytellers from across the University and the city to share true, personal stories, poems and songs that explore womanhood at the HerStory Slam. The University’s signature Women’s History Month event will explore the breadth, depth and diversity of being and becoming a woman.
Where: Frick Fine Arts Auditorium and Cloisters, 650 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260
Tickets: This is a free event, but registration is required.

Celebrate Pitt innovators

Tuesday, April 25, 5 p.m.

Join Pitt’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in recognizing the achievements of faculty and students who have commercialized their discoveries. Network with University community members and regional entrepreneurs and see ideas on the path to becoming products. An awards ceremony will follow, recognizing innovation milestones like obtaining a patent or launching a startup company.
Where: Petersen Events Center, 3719 Terrace St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15261
Tickets: This is an unticketed event.

— Nora Smith, photography by Aimee Obidzinski